Comment 229 – comments and feedback

Terry Sheehan

I want to take this opportunity to thank the Ontario Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for their hard work in preparing its proposal of the redistribution of federal electoral boundaries.

As one of 10 Members of Parliament representing the districts of Northern Ontario, I am concerned about the federal electoral district of Sault Ste. Marie and, the proposed redistribution of electoral districts which would see the elimination of the Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing District and expansion of the riding boundary for Sault Ste. Marie.

Our region in the north is vast, and already underrepresented and conducting business in Northern Ontario comes with challenges, such as the impact of long winter seasons, highway closures, freeze-thaw cycles in our infrastructure, lack of public transportation, lack of reliable cellular and internet services, lack of e-government services, supply chain constraints, out-migration, and population decline.

My role as a Member of Parliament is to provide a voice and serve Canadians, and the loss of one seat in Northern Ontario from 10 to 9, will be a challenge in providing services with one less voice. We want to be able to be accessible to Indigenous peoples in rural communities and ensure that they are consulted with no restrictions to engage in the process. After all, Canada is committed to continue its efforts to pursue the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action.

As the former Parliamentary Secretary for FedNor, I saw firsthand the growth and the return of people from large centres, especially through COVID-19, and with our pilot on immigration seeing newcomers come to Northern Ontario. Northern Ontario has unique constituent needs because of the vast geography and its diversities of communities. As I reflect on my experiences, I know firsthand the time needed to helping people in rural areas closer to the larger centres like Sault Ste. Marie because 25 years ago I was elected to serve all of Algoma as a school board trustee and worked across Algoma (Northern Ontario) in business and economic development and apprenticeship.

Therefore, it is my opinion, and those in the area that I have communicated with that the current boundaries of Sault Ste. Marie remain the same.

Echoing these concerns, are resolutions passed from the Corporation of the City of Sault Ste. Marie and Corporation of the Township of Prince. The Northern Chamber of Commerce comprising of five regions in Northern Ontario would impact nearly every community in the region.

With all things considered I would like to encourage the commission to leave the current boundaries as they currently exist. This is not the time to change as covid 19 has changed Northern Ontario with the potential now for more growth.

Warmest regards

Terry Sheehan

MP Sault Ste. Marie

The Corporation of the Township of Prince Council Resolution

Agenda Item 13h

September 13, 2022 Resolution 2022-173

Moved by: M. Matthews Seconded by: P Enzo

Be it resolved that the council of prince township supports

Coleman Township Resolution 22-08-31-02 on Federal Electoral Districts Redistribution.

Resolution Result

Carried	Mayor & Council	Yes	No
Defeated	Ken Lamming
Deferred	Eugene Caputo
Referred	Enzo Palumbo
Recorded Vote (see right)	Ian Chambers
Withdrawn	Micheal Matthews
MAYOR – KEN LAMMING
K L

Press release For immediate release Members of Parliament Representing Northern Ontario Express Concerns About Proposed Changes to Federal Electoral Boundaries

September 7, 2022 Ottawa, Ontario

Members of Parliament representing the 10 ridings of Northern Ontario have penned an open letter to the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission of Ontario regarding proposed changes to the province's federal electoral district boundaries.

In the letter, Members of Parliament express their concern that the proposed changes would result in the loss of a seat in Northern Ontario, decreasing the number of seats in the region from 10 to 9. These changes, they argue, do not reflect the size and unique challenges of Northern Ontario:

"Effective representation should ensure that Members of Parliament are accessible, and that Canadians have equal access to federal government services, regardless of where they live".

In addition to calling on the Commission to maintain the current number of electoral districts in Northern Ontario, the Members of Parliament also raise concerns about the limited number of public hearings being held in the region. The MPs note they are not opposed to adjustments, but the current number of electoral districts in Northern Ontario must be maintained.

Media inquiries contact list

Member of Parliament/Député(e)	Contact
Eric Melillo, Kenora	Tel.tél.: xxx-xxx-xxxx Email/courriel: xxxx.xxxxxxx@xxxx.xx.ca
Charlie Angus, Timmins—James Bay	Tel.tél.: xxx-xxx-xxxx Email/courriel: xxxxxxx.xxxxx@xxxx.xx.ca
The Hon. Patty Hajdu, Thunder Bay-Superior North	Tel.tél.: xxx-xxx-xxxx Email/courriel: xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxx.xx.ca
Carol Hughes, Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing	Tel.tél.: xxx-xxx-xxxx Email/courriel: xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxx.xx.ca
Terry Sheehan, Sault Ste. Marie	Tel.tél.: xxx-xxx-xxxx Email/courriel: xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxx.xx.ca
Marcus Powlowski, Thunder Bay-Rainy River	Tel.tél.: xxx-xxx-xxxx Email/courriel: xxxxxx,xxxxxxxxx@xxxx.xx.ca
Marc Serré, Nickel Belt	Tel.tél.: xxx-xxx-xxxx Email/courriel: xxxx.xxxxx@xxxx.xx.ca
Viviane Lapointe, Sudbury	Tel.tél.: xxx-xxx-xxxx Email/courriel: xxxxxxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxx.xx.ca
The Hon. Anthony Rota, Nipissing—Timiskaming	Tel.tél.: xxx-xxx-xxxx Email/courriel: xxxxxxx.xxxx@xxxx.xx.ca
Scott Aitchison, Parry Sound—Muskoka	Tel.tél.: xxx-xxx-xxxx Email/courriel: xxxxx.xxxxxxxxx@xxxx.xx.ca

Open Letter to the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission of Ontario Re: Redistribution of Federal Boundaries in Northern Ontario

As Members of Parliament representing the federal electoral districts of Northern Ontario, we have substantial concerns regarding the proposed boundary changes. Chief among these concerns are the loss of an electoral district, the creation of electoral boundaries that will be more challenging to serve, and the limited number of consultations.

We understand that the commission has been seized with the difficult task of reviewing and adjusting riding boundaries, but Northern Ontario should not pay the price of having its representation dwindle in order to satisfy the population growth in bigger centres which have access to better infrastructure and resources.

Effective representation should ensure that Members of Parliament are accessible, and that Canadians have equal access to federal government services, regardless of where they live. This has traditionally been a challenge for Northern Ontario residents, particularly in rural and remote communities where there is a lack of: public transportation; reliable cellular and internet services; and access to government agencies. For these Canadians, Members of Parliament are a gateway to the federal government. To reduce the number of representatives for these individuals is to diminish their access to federal government services and to lessen their voices in parliament.

The mix of physical and human geography should be balanced by what can be reasonably expected of any single Member of Parliament and what level of representation can be seen as being the most balanced and fair.

For example, the proposed electoral district of Kiiwetinoong-Mushkegowuk would be 520,307 square kilometers, the geographical equivalent of the nation of France. When you compare this to Brampton, which the Commission is recommending a 6th riding be created in a city that is only 266 square kilometers, you can see why it is difficult to substantiate the loss of a Northern Riding.

The Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act provides the grounds for departing from the normal rules set out and for exceptions to population variances "in circumstances viewed by the commission as being extraordinary". That was the basis for maintaining Kenora as an undersized riding in the last redistribution and should continue to be the basis in ensuring the viability of the existing ridings in Northern Ontario, especially those ridings which are made up of small rural communities such as that of Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing.

We share further concerns, such as the limited number of public hearings, especially given the fact that most public consultations are not being held in Northern communities that are directly impacted by the proposals, including Indigenous communities who indicate not having been consulted. We are also concerned that the consultation process is taking place during municipal elections, which may restrict the ability of affected municipalities to engage in the process.

In conclusion, we strongly urge the Commission to reconsider reducing the number of electoral districts in Northern Ontario. We are not opposed to adjustments, but the current number of electoral districts in Northern Ontario must be maintained.

Sincerely,

Eric Melillo, MP Kenora River

Charlie Angus, MP Timmins-James Bay

Marcus Powlowski, MP Thunder Bay-Rainy

The Hon. Patty Hajdu, MP Thunder Bay Superior North

Carol Hughes, MP Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing

Terry Sheehan, MP Sault Ste. Marie

Marc Serré, MP Nickel Belt

Viviane Lapointe, MP Sudbury

The Hon. Anthony Rota, MP Nipissing-Timiskaming

Scott Aitchison, MP Parry Sound-Muskoka

 

September 22, 2022

Paula Puddy

Commission Secretary

Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario

PO Box 37018

London, Ontario

N6E 3T3

Ms. Puddy:

I am writing to bring to your attention a resolution passed by the City of Sault Ste. Marie's City Council on September 20, 2022 – attached hereto for your reference – regarding the proposed redistribution of electoral districts which would see the elimination of the Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing District and expansion of the riding boundary for Sault Ste. Marie.

Christian Provenzano

Christian C. Provenzano, B.A., LL.B., LL.M.

CC MP Terry Sheehan, Sault Ste. Marie Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities

City Council Resolution Regular Council Meeting

Agenda Number: 9.2.

Title: Federal Electoral Boundaries

Date: Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Moved by: Councillor C. Gardi

Seconded by: Councillor L. Vezeau-Allen

Whereas the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario is proposing a redistribution of electoral districts which would see the elimination of the Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing District and the creation of a mega-riding called Sault Ste. Marie; and

Whereas the elimination of that riding would reduce the number of Northern Ontario seats from ten to nine, weakening the North's voice in parliament; and

Whereas the Federal Boundary Commission proposal to cut representation in the north is contrary to the 2017 electoral boundary changes for Ontario that recognized the need to add two seats to ensure fair participation for northern residents: and

Whereas the new mega-riding of Sault Ste. Marie would incorporate Echo Bay, Bruce Mines, Thessalon, Wawa, most of Huron Shores, Chapleau, Dubreuilville, Hilton, Jocelyn, Johnson, Laird, Macdonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional, Plummer Additional, St. Joseph, Tarbutt, and White River, as well as Hilton Beach; and

Whereas the following First Nations reserves are also proposed for inclusion in Sault Ste. Marie riding: Chapleau No. 74A, Duck Lake No. 76B, Chapleau No. 75, Thessalon No. 12, and Chapleau Cree Fox Lake; and

Whereas the proposed new super-ridings will force municipalities to compete for a limited amount of riding funding which will further exacerbate inequities in the north; and

Whereas Northern Ontario's population per riding is already much higher than many other rural and isolated regions in Canada's north; and

Whereas Covid 19 has recently resulted in many Canadians moving to Sault Ste. Marie to live and work; and

Whereas the Rural and Immigration pilot has been very successful in attracting newcomers to Sault Ste. Marie and Area; and

Whereas the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario's proposal would fragment, diminish and reduce access to federal representation for the City and area residents; and

Whereas the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario is seeking public input on its proposed riding boundary changes, yet has scheduled only one in-person consultation in North East Ontario to be held in Timmins

Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the City of Sault Ste. Marie urge the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario to not reduce the number of MPs for Northern Ontario, respect the geographical boundaries of cities and the makeup of the current ridings, and withdraw the proposal to eliminate the federal riding of Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing District and the expansion of the existing Sault Ste. Marie riding; and

Further Be It Resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Paula Puddy, Commission Secretary, Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario prior to the September 25th, 2022 deadline, as well as to Terry Sheehan MP and to the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities.

YES: 11 NO: 0 CONFLICT: 0 ABSENT: 0

Carried

YES: 11

Mayor C. Provenzano Councillor P. Christian Councillor S. Councillor L. Dufour Councillor L. Vezeau-Bruni Councillor D. Hilsinger Hollingsworth Councillor M. Allen Councillor C. Gardi Councillor M. Shoemaker Councillor R. Niro Councillor M. Scott

NO: 0

CONFLICT: 0 ABSENT:0

Christian Provenzano

Christian Provenzano

 

September 21, 2022

Stéphane Perrault

Chief Electoral Officer

Elections Canada

30 Victoria Street

Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0M6

Re: Federal redistribution process as provided in the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act Dear M. Perrault:

On behalf of the Northern Chambers of Commerce, which comprises the cities of Timmins, Greater Sudbury, North Bay and District, Sault Ste. Marie, and Thunder Bay, we are writing to share the perspective of our combined 3500 members on the constitutionally-triggered decennial census on the redistribution of Federal Electoral Districts 2022. As you are well aware, the 2022 redistribution proposal calls for Northern Ontario's federal ridings to be reduced from 10 to nine ridings with re-drawn lines that would impact nearly every community in the region.

At present, the act outlines the process of utilizing the electoral quotient tools as a simple numbers game and reads:

"In relation to the readjustment following the completion of any subsequent decennial census, the number obtained by multiplying the electoral quotient that was applied in the preceding readjustment by the number that is the average of the numbers obtained by dividing the population of each province by the population of the province as at July 1 of the year of the preceding decennial census according to the estimates prepared for the purpose of the preceding readjustment, and rounding up any fractional remainder of that multiplication to one. ^{note 1} "

While we appreciate the use of this quotient to redefine the boundaries, it is critical to note the unintended consequences of applying this tool to redistribute the current federal ridings. It removes an elected Member of Parliament and subsequently a voice from an already underrepresented region of the country.

Conducting business in Northern Ontario already comes with challenges, given our vast geographical distances, supply chain constraints, out-migration and population decline, and the impact of long winter seasons and freeze-thaw cycles on our infrastructure. Furthermore, our ability to advocate through our members of parliament would be reduced, which would pose a challenge to business organizations and their ability to serve their members' needs.

Removing a representative and expanding the current boundaries could potentially impede political participation by Indigenous peoples living in these remote and rural regions by presenting new barriers due to the vast geographical size of even the current ridings. The new proposed boundary lines would further exacerbate challenges in an already expansive territory, not to mention the challenge that would pose for any one representative to cover the issues of that entire geographical area. More importantly, the Northern Chambers also find this constitutionally-triggered process to be archaic and unintentionally discriminatory by not accounting for underrepresented and underserviced groups in the region deserving of equity. Our business members also hold this concern in high regard, given their strong commitment to principles of economic reconciliation.

The Northern Chambers of Commerce wishes to use this opportunity to call on Elections Canada to reject the proposal to remove one riding from Northern Ontario. Our businesses recognize the importance of fair and equitable representation in parliament and the importance of economic reconciliation— something that would be burdensome with the removal of a Northern riding. The Indigenous are Canada's fastest growing population, not only leading strong, legacy enterprises in their own right but lending to new and innovative practices that support and bolster business and their workforce. Elections Canada must commit to principles of Truth and Reconciliation, and an important step would be maintaining the current number of ridings in Northern Ontario.

Should you have any questions or comments, I invite you to contact me, Keitha Robson, via email: at xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xx.ca or by phone at xxx.xxx.xxxx. Thank you for your time and consideration in these important consultations.

Sincerely,

Keitha Robson Chief Administrative Officer Timmins Chamber

Dan Ayotte 2022-23 President Timmins Chamber

Debbi Nicholson

Debbi Nicholson, President & CEO, Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce Email: xxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.ca

Rory Ring

Rory Ring, CEO, Sault Ste Marie Chamber of Commerce Email: xxxx@xxxxxx.com

Donna Backer

Donna Backer, Interim President & CEO, North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce Email: xxxxx@xxxxx.ca

Charla Robinson

Charla Robinson, President, Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce Email: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxx.ca

Cc.

MP Charlie Angus, Timmins–James Bay

MP Viviane Lapointe, Sudbury

MP Marc Serré, Nickel Belt

MP Anthony Rota, Nipissing-Timiskaming

MP Carol Hughes, Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing

MP Terry Sheehan, Sault Ste. Marie

MP Patty Hajdu, Thunder Bay–Superior North

MP Marcus Powlowski, Thunder Bay—Rainy River

MP Eric Melillo, Kenora

Northern Ontario Media Outlets

Footnote

Return to note ¹ This Representation Formula is found in subsection 51(1) of the Constitution Act, 1867.